Dream stadium doors open

The recently opened MainPower Stadium is a dream come true for North Canterbury sports enthusiasts and an exciting, highly anticipated addition to the area. The 6000-square-metre, state-of-the-art stadium in Rangiora opened its doors in early August and is the largest of its kind to be built in the region.

The $28 million facility features four multi-use courts, fit for basketball, volleyball, netball, futsal, korfball, handball, and badminton, with seating capacity for 500 spectators.

Warren and Mahoney architects were behind the design of the centre, and Leighs Construction Ltd the company chosen to build it.

The North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust will manage the stadium. CEO Michael Sharpe says, “With MainPower Stadium we now have a fantastic facility which can be used by all our residents of all ages, from fitness centre members, to interest groups and sporting clubs.

A big advantage is reducing the need for the community to travel outside the district for training or competitions as we can cater for multiple sports and uses at the same time.

We have everything here under one roof. In addition to servicing the needs of the people in our region, the stadium gives us the exciting opportunity to provide top-level amenities which would put us in the perfect position to host regional and national competitions.”

The facility is a huge win for the whole Waimakariri community and offers huge potential for the region.